Cornerback Travell Dixon, a heralded junior college transfer, was not at practice Friday morning, and later the word came out that he has left the team. That news eventually was confirmed by Alabama. Coach Nick Saban issued a statement saying that Dixon had left for personal reasons.

Observations

The Tide seems excited to be working indoors. It's the night before the first scrimmage of the preseason, so it's understandable why the coaches would want to go a little easier on the players.

As he did Friday morning, highly regarded freshman Eddie Williams worked with the defensive backs. He had spent the first seven days of camp working with the wide receivers.

Jalston Fowler was spotted only with the running backs. Friday morning, he spent one period with the tight ends/H-backs, then worked the next period with the running backs. It was not the first practice in which his time was divided between two positions.

The news media was only allowed to observe one period, for approximately six minutes. During that time, Saban stood in the middle of the field and watched the quarterbacks throwing to wide receivers and tight ends. Usually Saban is working with the defensive backs.

Blake Sims still is working with the quarterbacks.

No players other than quarterbacks were wearing black non-contact jerseys.

What's next?

The first scrimmage of the preseason is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Saturday in Bryant-Denny Stadium. It's closed to the general public and news media. The Tide will enjoy its first off day of the preseason on Sunday.